THE new police and crime commissioner has published his expenses while others across the country have been accused of flouting the law by not disclosing them.

Bill Longmore, police and crime commissioner for West Mercia Police, has published his expenses online as part of his commitment to running his office in the open.

“My expenses and those of my deputy can be found on my website. We publish these as part of our commitment to being open and transparent,” said Mr Longmore.

“Since my election, my deputy and I have travelled widely visiting more than 250 individuals and community groups to learn about their local policing needs.

“We remain very cost conscious and share journeys whenever possible. I must also point out that we have reduced the office of the police and crime commissioner budget by £300,000 this year – which is around a 20 per cent reduction.”

The website gives information about Mr Longmore’s salary – £75,000 per year – and that of his deputy Barrie Sheldon – £50,000 per year – expenses, gifts and hospitality, a register of interests and any complaints or conduct matters.

Between November 22 last year and March 31 this year, Mr Longmore spent £92.25 on mileage, while Mr Sheldon spent £827.10 on mileage, £12 on subsistence and £46.30 on fares.

The figures show no gifts and hospitality and no formal complaints.

In the financial and other interests section Mr Longmore declared no interests bar his home in Shrewsbury, while Mr Sheldon declared no interests bar his home in Telford and his position as an inactive director of DBS Training Solutions.

In the grants section Mr Longmore makes mention of his invite to charities and other groups to bid for a share of £20,000 of his first year’s salary.

It is estimated that half of the 45 commissioners in England and Wales have not published their spending despite legislation which requires quarterly disclosures.

Richard Rhodes, the Conservative police and crime commissioner of Cumbria, has even been spending hundreds of pounds on trips in a chauffeur-driven Mercedes.

The Carlisle News and Star reported that Mr Rhodes spent nearly £700 on two separate trips to evening functions.